# Chapter 13
actually.
Judith, who witnessed this scene in the original story, shuddered at the evil of Sarah's actions. Her speaking in a soft, calm voice made the contrast even more terrifying.
“No wonder the teacher is so angry.”
Judith swallowed hard, recalling the events of the original story.
Sara had long dreamed of marrying Ekian, and when those dreams were shattered, she began to harbor a deep hatred for the entire Maios family.
She decides to destroy the Mayus family, using her relationship with Karl, whom she had nurtured since his childhood, to bring about this collapse.
Her logic was that if she couldn't get what she wanted, then everything should be destroyed beyond repair...
Little Karl, who had always trusted the wise and caring Sarah, believed everything she told him. Since the Duke and Duchess were completely distracted from searching for Ekian, they somehow neglected Karl.
"How's your weight these days? I hope you're not eating well."
“...I can't avoid eating. My mother watches me cloy, and if I don't eat, she gets very angry...”
"But if I grow too fast, Master Ekian might get hurt. He might think, 'Even without me, my little brother is eating well and growing normally.'"
"But what can I do? I can't make my annoying mother any more angry."
“Hmm.” Sarah spoke softly, “Then, after your meals, why don’t you come to the garden for a while?”
(One of them is the sick psycho)
“Garden?”
“Yes. I will help you get rid of everything.”
The teacher stood next to Judith, and stopped himf from breathing. Judith watched warily, worried that he might explode again.
Meanwhile, Sarah was gently caressing Karl's cheek and continued speaking, “This way, you can avoid disturbing the lady while showing Master Ekian that you are waiting for him, thin and weak.”
“Oh, that sounds like a good idea, Sarah.”
Karl nodded innocently, his voice full of confidence that he couldn't hide.
As I expected, you are the only one who truly cares about my brother. “I can trust you.”
At that moment, the master suddenly stood up, as if he was about to rush out.
“No, don't go!” Judith whispered desperately, holding him tightly by the waist.
She understood why the master was so angry. What kind of person says such things to a child? It prevents him from reading, stops him from eating, and now even encourages him to vomit!
“Sir, please!” She whispered cautiously, knowing full well that she couldn't physically stop his powerful body.
“If you leave now, nothing will change. Who do you think little Carl will support? Will he support us, strangers to him, or will he support Sarah, whom he has known all his life?”
At that moment, Sarah slowly turned around. “Hmm, Mr. Karl?”
“Hmm?”
“Didn't you hear anything?”
Judith's heart dropped into her chest. At the same time, the master seemed to regain consciousness and stopped moving.
"Really? I didn't hear anything."
“Did you bring someone by chance?”
"no."
Karl furrowed his eyebrows and closed his eyes. “Did you really hear something? From where?”
“Hmm... I'm not sure.”
Sarah stood and approached the closet.
Judith's heart beat faster as Sarah, her eyes narrowing, looked around.
“Hmm, it seems that the sound came from this area.”
Without hesitation, Sarah opened the closet door wide.
“Hmm?” She tilted her head. “Nothing here... Did I hear wrong?”
Breathe, breathe, breathe...
Judith, who was in the Master's arms, held her breath.
When Sarah said, “Didn’t you hear anything?” The Master had quickly pulled Judith into his embrace, hiding in the entrance to the secret passage.
Although the noise made Sarah open the closet, they managed to hide themves at the right moment.
“Hmm. There might be a leak somewhere. I’ll let the director know.”
Through the opening in the corridor, Judith caught a glimpse of Sarah's face as she examined the closet. It was a delicate, beautiful face, but it filled Judith with terror.
Sarah's blue eyes roamed the closet indifferently. As soon as the door slammed shut, Judith let out a long, relieved breath.
“Let's stay hidden a little longer, just in case...” Master whispered in her ear.
Since he was still holding her tightly, it seemed as if Judith was almost lying on him.
“Yes...”
In the complete darkness, Judith placed her hand on his strong chest and waited in silence. She could feel his rapid heartbeat.
“Ahem… I’m sorry I was so nervous.”
The master seemed to have regained his calm. He spoke in a low voice, perhaps because he felt a little embarrassed by the situation.
“I never imagined that maid Sarah would have a side like this.”
“Who would have guessed?”
Not even the headmistress, nor the Duke and Duchess of Mayus.
Judith raised her shoulders while the master asked her in a low voice: “What do you intend to do now?”
"What?"
“You stopped me earlier because you were thinking about something, right?”
"Yes."
“You came here in the first place because you couldn't leave young Karl alone, right?”
"wow."
Judith, feeling somewhat relaxed, laughed softly.
"Sir, I've never seen you talk so much before. You must love children."
She found herf laughing more than usual. To her, the Master always seemed like an emotionless figure, like a character from a book, whose voice she could barely remember after each encounter.
“...Stop.” The master muttered in a harsh voice, “Stop laughing.”
"Huh? Why?"
“Because every time you laugh, your breath touches my neck, and it’s…distracting.”
"Are you serious? Something like this bothers you?"
Judith complained, feeling a little embarrassed. "Bear it. It's not like it's that important."
“Judith.”
"Yes?"
“One thing is certain.”
"What is it?"
“You're definitely not pregnant.”
“What... how strange you said that...”
“And you clearly don't know much about men.”
Before Judith could respond, the master let out a slight groan and asked again: “Anyway, what’s your plan?”
“What else?” She shrugged. "I accomplished today's goal. Now I can handle things."
Then she said confidently: “The ones who can save young Karl from this situation are not us.”
“You mean…?”
“Of course, his parents.”
The master nodded, as if he understood her plan.
the next day.
It was the day the Duke of Mayas, who was on an inspection tour of the lands, was scheduled to return.
It was also the day that Duchess Isabella arranged for Judith to meet the Duke.
That morning, a letter arrived from the Mayas estate.
[How about you join me for lunch today?
We'll be close soon, and I'd like to introduce you to Karl.
The Duke will arrive this afternoon.]
It would be nice if you could join us for tea with him as well.]
Judith told the maid who handed her the letter that she would send her reply soon, and then she took up her pen.
"to reply?"
The master tilted his head as he sat in front of her.
"Lunch is coming soon. Wouldn't it be easier to just go?"
Judith sighed deeply as she looked at the master. He had stayed at her house since the morning.
“Sir, don’t you have anything else to do?”
“I'm busy.” “Too busy wondering what Judith is thinking,” he added jokingly.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll take care of it."
Judith knew exactly why the master had come to her little house.
'Because of Karl, of course.'
He had almost lost his temper from anger the day before. The range of his feelings was broader than she had initially thought, which surprised her.
“I have a younger brother who is Carl’s age.”
The master realized her thoughts and spoke in a low voice.
“That's why it feels so personal.”
"Is that true?"
Judith stared at him with wide eyes, still surprised.
“What's with that look?”
"I just… I didn't expect you to have a family. I thought you were a man with no blood, no tears, no friends, and no family."
“Is that a compliment?”
"never."
Judith replied jokingly before quickly picking up her pen. Her response was as follows:
[My apologies, Duchess. I already have lunch plans. I will join you for tea. I noticed that the roses in the garden are blooming beautifully. I look forward to your tea together]